Damascus: Syria’s new authorities launched a security crackdown on Thursday in the coastal region of Tartous, where 14 policemen were killed the previous day. The operation is aimed at pursuing the “remnants” of the ousted Bashar al-Assad government, who are accused of being behind the attack, according to state media reports.
The violence in Tartous, a region predominantly inhabited by Alawites, has escalated tensions in the wake of the regime’s fall. Assad’s Alawite sect, a minority branch of Shi’ite Islam, held significant power during his rule, controlling the military and security forces that suppressed opposition during Syria’s 13-year civil war. The current unrest marks the deadliest challenge faced by the Sunni Islamist-led authorities that took power following Assad’s ousting on December 8.
The security forces initiated the crackdown in Tartous to restore “security, stability, and civil peace,” while targeting the remnants of Assad’s militias hiding in the area’s forests and hills, as reported by state news agency SANA. This operation follows growing concerns about potential sectarian incitement.
Syria's new authorities launched a security crackdown in Tartous, where 14 policemen were killed in an 'ambush' by forces loyal to the ousted government https://t.co/XlYSawAC2f pic.twitter.com/rl5vHJmY0h
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 27, 2024
The new government also issued a warning against attempts to provoke sectarian violence after a controversial video from late November circulated online. The footage showed a fire in an Alawite shrine in Aleppo, sparking fears of escalating tensions. The Syrian interior ministry stated that unknown groups were responsible for the attack and assured that security forces were working tirelessly to protect religious sites.
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the former al-Qaeda affiliate that led the insurgency against Assad, has vowed to safeguard minority groups, particularly as many fear that the new leadership could impose an Islamist government. This anxiety is felt among the Alawites, Christians, and other minority communities.
Sectarian Violence in Damascus
Tensions also emerged in a predominantly Alawite neighborhood of Damascus, where incidents of religiously motivated violence were reported. Alawite sheikh Ali Dareer claimed that homes had been vandalized and individuals attacked based on their religious identity. Despite HTS’s assurances of respectful treatment for the sect, Dareer accused a “third party” of attempting to incite discord.
Dareer emphasized that the Alawite community had extended support to the new government but expressed frustration over ongoing violations, including reports of people being beaten at checkpoints. An HTS fighter in the area confirmed an incident in which Alawites were removed from a bus and assaulted but denied HTS’s involvement. “This is a matter of sedition, and we don’t want to be dragged into it,” Dareer stated. “Thousands of people are filled with resentment, anxiety, and their dignity is offended,” he added, underscoring the importance of maintaining peace despite the tensions.
Taher Dawwa, an Alawite former military volunteer under Assad, stressed that the blame for past mistakes should not be placed on any single sect. “We don’t want division,” he said, reflecting a broader desire to avoid further sectarian rifts.
Sectarian Underpinnings of the Syrian Conflict
The ongoing Syrian conflict has long been characterized by sectarian divisions, with Assad relying on Shi’ite militias from Iran and other parts of the Middle East to combat the Sunni-majority insurgency. Recent protests in Tartous saw demonstrators chanting “Oh Ali!”—a reference to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin of the Prophet Mohammed, whose descendants are revered by Alawites and Shi’ites. This chant highlights the enduring sectarian tensions at the heart of the conflict.
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Efforts for Civil Peace
In an attempt to ease tensions, Mohammed Othman, the newly appointed governor of Latakia (which borders Tartous), met with Alawite sheikhs to promote community cohesion and civil peace. The Syrian government also implemented a ban on media content deemed to have a sectarian tone, seeking to curb the spread of divisive narratives.
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Meanwhile, Iran, a long-time ally of Assad, has expressed concern over the situation. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently called on Syrian youth to “stand with firm determination against those who have orchestrated and brought about this insecurity,” anticipating the rise of a strong resistance group in Syria. However, Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, has warned Iran to respect Syria’s sovereignty and warned against efforts to spread chaos in the country. “We hold them accountable for the repercussions of the latest remarks,” he stated, reaffirming Syria’s commitment to its newfound political course.
